Why It Works

The mother-to-mother connection can be very strong. We naturally connect with others who have had similar life experiences to our own.

The Power of Mother-to-Mother Support

• Women are drawn to other women with whom they share life experiences, especially experiences related to childbirth and parenting.

• Most women remember what it felt like to be a new mother and how much they had to learn.

• Many women want to build connections with other mothers to help them get ready for parenthood.

• Peer counselors are very valuable to mothers – they help them gain confidence in their mothering and breastfeeding abilities.

What A Peer Counselor Does

Peer counselors have a number of responsibilities, including:

• Facilitating breastfeeding groups with women interested in breastfeeding and discussing how to make breastfeeding a normal part of daily life.

• Calling/texting moms to offer support and answer questions beyond the usual clinic hours.

• Providing information about and promoting breastfeeding among peers.

• Addressing specific concerns of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

• Mastering counseling skills and mother-centered discussions.

• Sharing information with pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Helping new mothers avoid or overcome common breastfeeding problems.

• Listening.